This brief is adapted from notes taken by Documenters Bréone Dupree and Masie Duncan, who covered the September meeting of the Education Committee. 📝 Read more about what happened. Want to help us cover future meetings? Learn how to join Documenters.
What happened?
Indy Achieves requested $2 million from the City-County Council to continue funding Promise Grants and the 21st Century Scholars program in Marion County.
At the September Education Committee meeting, councilors heard a budget presentation from the Office of Education and Innovation.
What does Indy Achieves do?
Indy Achieves helps high school students transition successfully into college, supports students already enrolled through grants and scholarships, and re-engages students who have dropped out before finishing their degree. Most of the students are low-income or the first in their families to attend college.
The program offers grants to those who are close to graduating but cannot get more financial aid or have an unpaid bursar bill.
“These are current students who are close to completing their degree, but their financial aid is running out. They are struggling to complete and they need a little bit of help,” said Ken Clark, executive vice president at EmployIndy.
By covering those final expenses and pairing students with a success coach, the program ensures they cross the finish line.
Even small financial or personal setbacks can derail a student’s education. In 2018, Mayor Hogsett implemented Indy Achieves to reduce barriers that prevent students from completing college.
At IU Indianapolis, the program has achieved a 90% student completion rate over the last three semesters.
“We bet on these students, and we coach them, because we know we can be successful,” said Clark.
What’s next?
The Indianapolis City-County Council voted to adopt the 2026 budget on Oct. 6.
The next Education Committee meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 200 E. Washington St., in the Public Assembly Room.
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Sharlene Birdsong and Indy Documenters